Situated in the heart of Europe, Poland boasts numerous advantages that position it as a top-tier event destination, and these extend beyond its rich history, culture, and natural beauty. Becoming an increasingly important part of one of the fastest and most consistently growing economies in the world, Poland’s meeting sector is on a growth path.
Stunning scenery, pierogi, Fryderyk Chopin, Maria Skłodowska-Curie, Copernicus, and Robert Lewandowski – these elements and figures are traditionally associated with Poland. However, soon we may need to add “European MICE powerhouse” to that list. The meetings industry in Poland is one of the fastest-growing in Europe, with an expected value of over $4,5 billion. The sector is growing despite difficulties, as evidenced by the hundreds of thousands of participants in the business events hosted in the country.
Poland – quality confirmed with the finest awards and recognition
Warsaw, Gdańsk, Wrocław and Poznań all have the facilities, infrastructure and qualified staff to host conferences and meetings of varying sizes and formats. Cities co-hosted, alongside Ukraine, the well-received UEFA Euro 2012. Football tournaments’ significant success is even referred to as “the Polish effect.” That example, showing how sporting events could be used as a place marketing tool, can safely be regarded as one of the first steps on the Polish development path.
Meanwhile, the NATO summit held in Warsaw in 2016 served as a testament to Poland’s commitment to upholding the most stringent safety standards and providing premium accommodations for VIP participants. But Warsaw is more than VIP spots. The city has won the prestigious title of the “most attractive” in the European Best Destinations 2023 contest (breaking its vote record), as well as four other categories.
After a full day of panel discussions or meetings, guests could easily get to the best restaurants, such as the iconic U Wieniawy or Czerwony Wieprz (Red Hog), which survived the war and serves the best Polish cuisine. But that’s not all. Newly opened Elektrownia Powiśle, Browary Warszawskie, Norblin Factory and Hala Koszyki or Koneser Center in Praga district – all these postindustrial, revitalized venues are an extremely popular mix of accessibility with top food, drink and service quality.
Speaking of food, anyone who has tried Polish cuisine knows that it is difficult to find a similar mix of flavors and unique dishes. Three Polish restaurants have earned Michelin stars, while seven have received the Bib Gourmand. The cities of Warsaw, Kraków, Poznan, and the village of Kościelisko in the Tatra Mountains are prime destinations for food enthusiasts. This marks a significant milestone in the Polish culinary landscape, cementing Poland’s position as a leading destination for exceptional dining experiences.
Warsaw
Not only Warsaw. Polish cities and regions on theirs MICE growth path
Another Polish city that held a top-level event was Katowice. The capital of the Upper Silesian region hosted COP24 in 2018, which brought together leaders and delegates from around the world to address critical global issues. This event showcased the city’s ability to handle complex logistical demands and high-profile corporate functions. Katowice has recently been a host to large-scale international conferences, trade shows, and exhibitions, which all contributed to its growing reputation as a premier destination for corporate gatherings. But it’s not just this city.
Poland successfully adapts to innovation and adjusts its offer to volving guest needs. 14 city and regional Polish Convention Bureaus are focused on supporting organizers of corporate events, conferences and incentive travel with highly skilled event professionals. As well as recommended by Poland Convention Bureau 17 Professional Congress Organisers and 13 Incentive Travel Companies Hospitality holds a paramount place in the Polish identity, ensuring a warm and welcoming experience for all visitors. This is confirmed by the country’s significant stride in UIA ranking – climbing to the 20th spot globally in 2023.
Even more spectacular was the 11-position rise of Kraków in the ranking of cities. The capital of the Lesser Poland region with 32nd place on the UIA ranking is the highest-ranked Polish city within the list that also includes Warsaw and Gdańsk. Kraków owes its success also thanks to the recognition gained after the great reception of ICCA Congress 2022. Event attracted over 900 participants from 80 countries, with over 100 speakers. Małgorzata Przygórska-Skowron, Head of the Krakow Convention Bureau, said that “thanks to the ICCA Congress, Kraków is entering the premier league of the meetings industry.“
The Congress also featured inspiring educational sessions and workshops focused on sustainability. Trends in the meetings industry over the past few years clearly indicate that both event organizers and beneficiaries place increasing importance on ecological and sustainable development issues. They are taking actions to reduce CO2 emissions, minimize waste, and achieve independent certifications. The 61st ICCA Congress in Krakow is a prime example of this. The city even, just before the Congress – as the first in Poland – joined the unique Global Destination Sustainability – GDS-Index initiative.
Katowice
Poland’s new reality – regional high-tech and sustainability leader
As the demand for sustainable events is growing, not only Kraków, but the whole of Poland is becoming a more and more desirable destination for meetings or congress organizers who are looking to reduce their environmental impact. More and more events, not only of the highest rank, are measuring their carbon footprint and making it public, proving to society that ESG principles are not used for greenwashing, but are realistically treated to reinforce a new, sustainable reality.
Another great example is Wrocław. Its local Convention Bureau has published a list of good green practices in Wrocław conference, congress and event venues. Its purpose of is to indicate the solutions applied, including a The Centennial Hall on the UNESCO World Heritage List, a historic hotel, a hotel of an international and Polish chain, which was built recently and already in the design phase took into account various ecological solutions, as well as a sports facility or a unique venue, whose nature is the mission of environmental education.
Krakow
It’s also worth noting the developing sector of new technologies, which is attracting investors and specialists from various fields, including the IT industry. A notable example is Intel’s announcement in April 2023 regarding its investment in the Semiconductor Integration and Testing Plant, the largest foreign investment ever recorded in Poland’s history, valued at USD 4.6 billion. Additionally, prominent IT companies such as Google, Microsoft, Nvidia, and Dell Technologies have chosen to invest in the country.
All of this significantly changes the country’s image and signals a new era of opportunities for collaboration and ventures in the MICE industry. Poland currently has about 3,000 startups and over 100 incubators and accelerators for these businesses and is already an attractive destination for new technology-related events, such as conferences, corporate events, hackathons, and e-sports events. That includes the famous Intel Extreme Masters ESL Katowice in a unique Spodek venue (the other gem is Kinguin Esports Performance Center in Warsaw).
Good budget management and reasonable prices are other features that make Poland one of the best meeting industry destinations. With cost escalation as one of the top considerations of event managers and the need for creative strategies to optimize budgets without compromising on quality, Poland is becoming a top choice.
Contact details – polandcb@pot.gov.pl; https://meetings.poland.travel/
